Low Fat Pesto Pasta
Discover a fresh and nutritious twist on a classic with this vibrant Low Fat Pesto Pasta recipe—a perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and wholesome ingredients. Made with whole wheat pasta and a creamy, low-fat Greek yogurt pesto, this dish substitutes traditional heavy oils with lighter alternatives while still delivering that iconic basil-forward punch. The addition of juicy cherry tomatoes and tender baby spinach adds pops of color and a healthy boost, making it a complete meal that's both filling and satisfying. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this low fat pasta dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or lunch meal prepping. Whether served warm or at room temperature, surprise your taste buds with guilt-free indulgence that's perfect for health-conscious foodies.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cups Low fat Greek yogurt
- 1 large Garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Baby spinach
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic clove, nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. Toss well to combine.
If the pasta seems dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, then toss again.
Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
743 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.6 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1601 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.6 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 40.1 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 484 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1150 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
